STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - I remember that when my first son was born I thought he was beautiful. Looking back later at his first photograph, taken just hours after he entered the world, I kept wondering what I saw that was so breath-taking. A bit bruised and battered, he definitely looked worse for the wear — though he improved immensely once he had a few months and years on his little bones.

I guess I was no different than so many parents who think their children are the cream of the crop. It’s probably a good thing we feel that way; it makes up for the whining, the crying, the mess and the fuss that come with having a child. If you didn’t have an adorable face somewhere behind all this drama, child-rearing would really be tough going.

Some moms and dads capitalize on the cute. You see the results every day — on television, in magazines and newspapers, on the Internet, on your iPhone. Kids are the faces of products ranging from state-of-the-art SUVs to Smuckers jelly. They’re used to pitch cereal, juice, pet food and medicines. And why not? They melt your heart — whether they play a class clown or a diva in training. And you, in turn, open your wallet.

This really hit home with me about three weeks ago when I got a call from my oldest son (he of bruised and battered face), announcing with pride that “The game is out.”

I’d forgotten about said game — a child’s version of Jenga produced for Toys R Us. It was months ago that my grandson, David, was called for consideration as a product model.

Immediately, though, I was back on square one, wallet in hand.

I wasted no time making my way to Toys R Us in New Springville. My daughter-in-law told me that she’d bought three of the games the night before, and that three had been left on the shelf. When I arrived, just two remained standing.

I’ve played many games of Jenga over the years, and have no burning desire to play this pint-size version, but there was David’s little face on the side of the box, so what the heck! One game would never be sufficient; I grabbed the last two.

The 30 playing pieces are called Choca Critters, which are some kind of bug, according to the packaging. But also, according to the packaging, little ones 3 and older, have a blast pulling out a critter and hoping the whole structure doesn’t fall.

Just ask David, and his box-top opponent, a little girl named Samaiyeh. They look like they’re having the time of their lives.

On second thought, maybe I will give this game a go.

And really, it’s my grandson. If those lads who discuss fruit trees walking down a country lane can carry me home in spirit and convince me to buy jars of Smuckers jam, are two games with a picture of David really enough? I see his little face in my mind’s eye and know there’s no resisting. I’ll be back to buy more. Chalk it up to the power of the pip-squeak.

Finally, much appreciation for all the comments about my birthday angst and, this week, about where you like to swim. I even heard from a Staten Islander who spent some time growing up in Alton Bay, New Hampshire — right down the road from our summer house in Alton. He confirmed: Lake Winnipesaukee is the greatest swimming hole in the world.

Thank you all for reading and responding. Feel free to e-mail me at hack@siadvance.com, post a comment online or call 718-816-8350.